Bathandwa Mbobo is a contemporary artist born in Sterkspruit, Eastern Cape (1998). Working with colour pencils on paper his pieces are achieved through layers of what he refers to as small circles. He uses photography to capture the figure, a ruler and a pencil as a guide for placement. He uses female figures to convey a  feeling pf stagnant in a society that is controlled by patriotism.

The artist’s works are a representation of life in a patriarchal society. This curse-like system is passed down for generations, with women being put in a position of power that’s less fortunate to them. Causing girls to grow up with their dreams being a lie or something impossible to achieve in this life time due to certain implications placed within the society.

Dreams get shattered and watered down to being a noble housewife or domestic worker, this then turns women to feel like this is a man’s world and wanting to break free from this system. This subject matter resides in him as a man growing up in a family where women are the bread winners and head of the family. Having lived and being part of this type of system in his household changed his perspective and perception on how women are viewed by the society.

Mbobo embraces every woman and young adult that tries to change or step out the margin of “financial stability, food and security” making them independent figures of the society.